In the wake of a spectacular, if slightly troubled IPL series, a crisis the like of which has rarely been seen in the world of Indian cricket, has hit India’s favourite sport. The BCCI in what some termed a ‘midnight coup’, recently suspended the IPL chief, Lalit K Modi following accusations of tax wrongdoings and corruption. Mr Modi defiantly denied all claims stating; “The recent happenings are only based on innuendoes, half truths and motivated leaks from all sides.” Nonetheless, the top man has been dropped as swiftly as Kevin Pieterson resigned his captaincy of England, after a similarly damaging public row last year.
As one of the largest and most followed cricket leagues on the globe, the IPL has gained substantial financial backing from a range of influential businessmen and harvests some of the world’s best cricketers. The President of the BCCI, Shashank Manohar, commented that; "The alleged acts of individual misdemeanors of Mr Lalit K Modi have brought a bad name to the administration of cricket and the game itself."
The calamity entered the public sphere after a blunderous remark made by Mr Modi on Twitter sparked investigations into dodgy investments into a consortium which then awarded a new IPL franchise in Kochi. Perhaps, as many a celebrity has learned recently, it is often best to keep your thoughts to yourself in cases such as this. And if you must divulge, stay away from the ‘tweet’ button.
Contributed by Jenny-Wren Charlton
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